[RonF]

The list of the uses that oil is put to makes me think that we're crazy to be burning it up. Look at all the non-fuel uses there are for oil. And the list doesn't even tell all the story. "Petrochemical feedstocks" includes drugs, and think of all the medical devices that plastics are used for. Plus, one reason why American medicine is the safest in the world is that we use far more plastic disposable items, instead of re-sterilizing and re-using supplies and devices.

I find this list a stellar argument for finding new non-petro-chemical-based energy sources.

[Tailgunner Joe]

That's fine, as long as you find alternatives before you wean the populace off of oil.

[MPB]

I find this list a stellar argument for finding new non-petro-chemical-based energy sources.

Well, every time we have a viable alternative, the greens find some argument against those as well.

Witness the (verbal) attacks against nuclear power. There are so many new regulations (during the Clinton years) on hydro power that the hydro plant near my house can no longer be profitable and is scheduled to close. And what about the wind farms? Too dangerous for birds. Solar? All the panels are causing environmental damage to the deserts they place them in.

Any alternative you come up with is soon attacked as being bad... it soon becomes clear that the anti-oil people aren't really concerned with oil at all... they could be better defined as anti-industry. I reckon if they had their way, they'd mandate suicide by the age of 20, so that we humans wouldn't leave such a scar on mother Earth. The theme music to Logan's Run seems to be stuck in my head right now...